By Chris Levett
At 7 p.m. on October 23, we were welcomed to the table at the 187th Synod. It was a full church filled with wonderful music and liturgy. The congregation gathered at St. Paul’s Cathedral as well as on-line.
Right Reverend Dr. Todd Townshend, the Bishop of Huron, officiated and shared his reflections. Tom Adam was presented with the Order of Huron for his work in leading the Archives Task Force. An offering was also collected for Alongside Hope.
At 9 a.m. on October 24, 230 delegates (80 clerical and 150 lay) were welcomed in prayer, and the meeting was called to order. A formal land acknowledgement was read, and thanks were offered to past Synod delegates. A special welcome was offered to Sergio Augusto from our companion diocese of Amazonia.
A presentation was made by Education for Ministry (EfM) with reference to Huron being a learning church. The new one-year curriculum will start in January with the ultimate goal of having at least one EfM graduate in every congregation.
Bishop Townshend led the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed by reading the names accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation. A list of Huron’s retirees was also presented near the end of the meeting.
The session continued with the necessary housekeeping motions needed to efficiently manage the meeting, which included the nomination and election of a new Secretary Treasurer, Ms. Jacqueline Davison. Her hard work over the last two years was acknowledged and was appreciated by Synod.
A presentation was made regarding the parishes that were supported by the Huron Development Fund. Jacqueline Davison presented the audited financial statements for 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025. The Diocese is now current to 2025 with the dedicated talents of the accounting department and the new auditors. The statements can be reviewed on the Diocesan website. They were received and accepted by Synod.
Bishop Townsend took time to lead the Synod in a renewal of baptismal vows from the Book of Alternative Services. Bishop Townsend presented his Charge to Synod. He outlined where we have been with the themes of the last five years.
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Remembering who we are (2020)
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Yielding to the life of the Spirit (2021)
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Expect to meet the Risen Jesus along the way (2022)
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Sing the Lord's song in a strange new land (2023)
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Continually turn to the God of Grace (2024)
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Cultivate a life of faithful stewardship and generosity (2025)
This year’s theme is to Plunge More Fully into your Life in Christ with a continuation of last year’s theme of being called lives of faithful stewardship and generosity. Bishop Townshend remarked that “Stewardship isn't a program to sustain the church. It's the other way around. We sustain the church so that lives of faith and generosity can be made possible.”
Bishop Townshend further described the inter-relationship between stewardship, discipleship and the catechumenate. Jesus Christ is the gift that we are given and is the one who put gifts into our heart. “Every gift is needed for us to be continually raised up in the world as His body, for His purposes.”
Bishop Townshend stated that “the Christian faith has always been shared and transmitted not only through what we teach, but through what we have seen and heard, experienced and lived. When we tell one another where we have encountered God, how grace has changed us, or why we have chosen to give ourselves to the work of the Church, faith becomes visible, tangible, and resonant.”
We were encouraged to explore our faith in small groups of six to twelve people in the ways that are outlined by Rev. Canon Dr. Lisa Wang. Our faith testimonies don’t have to be fancy or complicated. They just need to be truthful. When we are expressing how we are formed and transformed by Jesus Christ, we are passing on our faith.
Rodger Moran and Cynthia Connell were faith witness that described the role of active stewardship in their lives. Roger shared that we are taught to give of ourselves generously without recognition. He stated that we should be thinking about what gifts on the offering plate could make possible. He learned stewardship by receiving it. He learned discipleship from watching others following Christ. To treat others with compassion. To put faith into action. Not just recipients of God’s love, but to carry it through the world.
Cynthia Connell felt that past ideas of stewardship were perceived only to be about money and resources. In her work with students, she discovered that all the gifts that we receive and meant to be used to care for people. This is especially true for students at Canterbury where they gather for a weekly food share program and bible study. She shared a story of a visit to a care home where one of the students had a deep conversation with one the residents. The conversation was had in their own language. Both people were brought together. This is stewardship and faith transforming by breaking barriers. The sharing is just as important.
Rev. Kevin Dixon offered insight into active stewardship. Stewardship is usually seen as money, but it is discipleship. He explained the relationship within the Virtuous Circle of Joy (Discipleship, Grateful Generosity and Assets for Ministry and Mission). Our experiences are meant to be shared with others in our parish. We were led in a two-person exercise where we answered the following questions about ourselves.
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Faith – Who or what has helped shape the person I am as a Christian?
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Generosity – How has that shaped the way I share what I have?
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Fruit – What difference have I seen that generosity make?
Presentations were made that celebrated our diversity. (The Anglican Communion is truly global.)
Niagara Huron Anglican Cursillo (a short course in Christianity) works to deepen faith and build friendships. People are encouraged to meet in small groups to discuss faith, study and take action with a life centered in Christ. The dioceses of Huron and Niagara are working together. People are returned to their parishes with deepened faith and renewed enthusiasm. The next Cursillo weekend will be held in July 2027.
The Indigenous Ministries of Huron offered a prayer of thanks for us to live in harmony. Their ministry began through letter box drops. Different traditions are being brought together. Spiritual life is active with baptisms, confirmations workshops and classes. Inequalities are still being felt. The are being treated with an attitude of love and hope. A place to grow. A safe place to welcome others. An invitation is offered to walk with them hand in hand.
Rev. Augusto Santos and Sergio Silva from the Diocese of Amazonia made a presentation. He shared that God’s mission does not have borders; we have a companionship. We walk together, we learn together, we serve together. God can bring people together in unexpected ways. They shared stories of working with indigenous people. Amazonia has been a companion diocese with Huron since 2014.
Greetings were extended from the sponsors of Synod; Canterbury, Huron, Renison Colleges and Ecclesiastical. They were thankful for ongoing gifts, prayers and their growth. They support students with interfaith learning, fellowship and pastoral care.
The Deacons’ Outreach Program share that we raised over $10,000 through their gift card collection for Huron Farmworkers Ministry.
The enrollment at Huron Church Camp was up compared to COVID. 51 kids (14 – 16 yr olds) participated in the leadership development program (LIT). The camp is celebrating 80 years. Gerry Adam is retiring after serving for 29 years.
The meeting was adjourned just after 4 p.m.
Chris Levett is a postulant in the Diocese of Huron.
Photos: Rebekah Lemon (featured photo); Charlotte Poolton